Funeral director Alan Dodd said Graham had arranged the send-offs of both of only-child Janet’s parents, claiming he was the executor of the estate.

Mr Dodd said: “I understood Mr Graham was not a relative. He said he was handling the funeral because he was the executor of the estate. I believed him.”

Canon Jack Trimble, based at Hexham Abbey, carried out both funerals and said Janet did not attend either. Speaking of Olive’s funeral, Canon Trimble said: “I remember the daughter was not available or contactable. It was very odd.”

The churchman said Graham met him at the Abbey to arrange Eric’s funeral. He said: “I thought it was quite kind of him to step in to help.

“I must have mentioned the daughter to him. She was the only close relative, I couldn’t leave her out.”